Background information

The economy and society of Ida-Virumaa region in eastern Estonia has been built on oil shale mining industry. In order to support the technological transition to more sustainable manufacturing fields, and the social transition that this includes, Tartu University and Tallinn University of Technology created consortium of research groups to help develop technologies and monitor social changes. The consortium organised a Just transition forum to involve local businesses, researchers, students etc., to discuss what are the possibilities for sustainable industrial policy in both Europe and Estonia, what technologies will shape the industry of the future, and how to promote labour market flexibility and innovation.

Content of measure

The forum was targeted at locals in Ida-Viru region: small and large entrepreneurs, researchers and students, policy makers, local citizens.

Discussion topics included, for example: * Ida-Viru labour market transition away from oil-shale * science-intensive entrepreneurship and the future of energy and industry

The main programme of the forum was followed by workshops, where researchers shared their findings from a practical perspective. Workshop topics included, for example: * resilience of companies and adapting to changes * how to develop career planning skills of young people in Ida-Viru

In addition, different suitable support measures and cooperation opportunities for companies, and higher education institutions were presented to provide an overview of continuing education opportunities.

Use of measure

No info available.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Applies to all workers	Applies to all businesses	Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Other social actors (e.g. NGOs) Local / regional government Public employment service Public support service providers	European Funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

Some social partners participated in the panel discussions of the event, for example Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Views and reactions

No views have been expressed.

Sources

• 22 July 2022: Ida-Virumaa (õiglane üleminek, juhtkomisjon jm) (Ida-Virumaa (Just transition, steering committee, etc.)) (www.fin.ee)
• 01 October 2024: Õiglase ülemineku foorum 2024 (teadusidavirumaal.ee)